Parent Hacks: Tips for Taking Kids to Broadway
Adam M. Young
| October 4, 2017
Broadway has all the markings of a family-friendly destination, with such current residencies as Aladdin’s magic carpet ride and Willy Wonka’s mind-blowing Chocolate Factory. The music, the dancing, the costumes, the sets – it’s an unmistakable wonderland for kids. Here are the factors to consider when taking tots to the stage, and the shows they’ll love the most.
Most theaters, especially ones where you’ll find the Lion King or School of Rock, allow kids, but with caveats, like age limits. However, most children ages 5 and up are good to go. They can also come with perks, like booster seats and post-show meet-and-greets. Be sure to check each theater and show’s FAQs before attending to find out such details and more. And when booking, best get online early so you can pick an aisle seat, in case your kiddo needs to run to the restroom, or a matinee, so the family doesn’t have to stay out past a semi-normal bedtime.
Gershwin Theatre’s Wicked is the perfect Broadway show for your Wizard of Oz-obsessed wee ones. It’s the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Are they friends? Find out in this colorful production complete with song. The theater welcomes kids 5 and older only, and all children must have tickets.
This award-winning musical is a stunning one, with its touching story told via music as well as choreography. Kids and adults alike adore characters, like Simba, and the growth, trials and tribulations they experience. The Lion King is at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, where children ages 4 and under are not permitted, and booster seats are available upon request.
Based on the hit film with Jack Black as the substitute teacher/rock star wannabe Dewey Finn, School of Rock - The Musical is a rockin’ stage production with music brought to you by Phantom of the Opera’s Andrew Lloyd Webber. The cast is comprised of a fifth-grade class, so your elementary school-aged children will find a lot of joy in this adaptation. Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway is its home, and kids 5 and up are allowed in the theater.
At the New Amsterdam Theatre, the magical story of Aladdin comes alive with a larger-than-life production full of music, dance, ornate costumes and the sweet tale of Jasmine and Aladdin. Bringing small kids? See an usher to get a booster seat, as there’s a limited number available at the theater.
Roald Dahl’s classic novel and all its wonder is captured onstage with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s the ultimate golden ticket for kids young and old clamoring to hear the hits like “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” all scored by the songwriters who brought you Hairspray. Willy Wonka and his pure imagination are currently showing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where everyone including kids must have tickets.
Stay tuned for part 5, where we’ll look at the how you can snag some bonuses for kids at Broadway theaters!
Choose the Right Performance
Most theaters, especially ones where you’ll find the Lion King or School of Rock, allow kids, but with caveats, like age limits. However, most children ages 5 and up are good to go. They can also come with perks, like booster seats and post-show meet-and-greets. Be sure to check each theater and show’s FAQs before attending to find out such details and more. And when booking, best get online early so you can pick an aisle seat, in case your kiddo needs to run to the restroom, or a matinee, so the family doesn’t have to stay out past a semi-normal bedtime.
Wicked
Gershwin Theatre’s Wicked is the perfect Broadway show for your Wizard of Oz-obsessed wee ones. It’s the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Are they friends? Find out in this colorful production complete with song. The theater welcomes kids 5 and older only, and all children must have tickets.
The Lion King
This award-winning musical is a stunning one, with its touching story told via music as well as choreography. Kids and adults alike adore characters, like Simba, and the growth, trials and tribulations they experience. The Lion King is at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway, where children ages 4 and under are not permitted, and booster seats are available upon request.
School of Rock - The Musical
Based on the hit film with Jack Black as the substitute teacher/rock star wannabe Dewey Finn, School of Rock - The Musical is a rockin’ stage production with music brought to you by Phantom of the Opera’s Andrew Lloyd Webber. The cast is comprised of a fifth-grade class, so your elementary school-aged children will find a lot of joy in this adaptation. Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway is its home, and kids 5 and up are allowed in the theater.
Aladdin
At the New Amsterdam Theatre, the magical story of Aladdin comes alive with a larger-than-life production full of music, dance, ornate costumes and the sweet tale of Jasmine and Aladdin. Bringing small kids? See an usher to get a booster seat, as there’s a limited number available at the theater.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl’s classic novel and all its wonder is captured onstage with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s the ultimate golden ticket for kids young and old clamoring to hear the hits like “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” all scored by the songwriters who brought you Hairspray. Willy Wonka and his pure imagination are currently showing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where everyone including kids must have tickets.
Stay tuned for part 5, where we’ll look at the how you can snag some bonuses for kids at Broadway theaters!
